Hemochromatosis patients can now donate blood

12/06/16

In 2012 we published a systematic review on blood donation and hemochromatosis. Treatment of this illness is phlebotomy (bloodletting) on a regular basis to keep iron levels under control. Until recently, this blood was discarded. Our systematic review was used to inform the Belgian Senate on a possible change of law, allowing patients with hemochromatosis to donate blood. In January 2016 the amendment of the law was finally approved. On June 11, 2016 the Flemish Hemochromatosis Association, in collaboration with the Belgian Red Cross, organised a patient day to inform patients on the research performed by CEBaP and the practical consequences of the amendment.